Chapter 29: Battle Against the Marines (Part 3)
The earlier intense battle had depleted nearly five percent of his blood reserves, leaving him with only ninety-five percent to fight these Marines in close combat—a precarious situation indeed.
To avoid damaging the Black Magic, Ryu leapt onto the enemy flagship. His crimson eyes immediately locked onto Colonel Rat. Capture the leader first—neutralize the head, and the body will follow.
"Everyone, protect Colonel Rat!" a Marine shouted.
Hearing this, Ryu paused momentarily. Colonel Rat? The name sounded familiar. After a brief moment of recollection, it clicked. So, this was the man who orchestrated the attack against him.
Now he understood why he'd been pursued so relentlessly.
Seeing Ryu hesitate, Colonel Rat assumed fear had gripped him. Puffing out his chest, Rat declared dramatically, "Ikano D. Ryu, surrender now! You're surrounded by the Marines. If you repent, there may still be a chance for redemption! Don't continue down this path of folly!"
Watching Rat's self-righteous posturing, Ryu felt an overwhelming urge to rip off his mustache.
The next second, Ryu unsheathed both swords, unleashing a devastating dual slash. The Marines guarding Rat were no match for him, falling like dominoes. Though injured, none were killed. Ryu knew most Marines were genuinely righteous—it was just a few rotten apples spoiling the barrel. His goal now was to pluck out the wormiest one.
As the majority of the Marines collapsed, panic spread among the survivors. How could this man still possess such terrifying power after everything? Meanwhile, the commander aboard the other ship, witnessing the carnage on the flagship, wasted no time ordering reinforcements.
He also immediately reported the situation to headquarters. In their eyes, Ryu's guilt was now undeniable. There was no escape for them now—but at least they'd deliver the intel.
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, the commander exhaled in relief. At least their sacrifice wouldn't be in vain.
Of course, if the Marines knew they were risking their lives because of Rat's fabricated charges, they might've turned on him in an instant.
"You bastard! What false accusations did you pin on me to justify sending three warships after me?" Ryu's voice boomed across the battlefield, loud enough for every Marine to hear. Confusion rippled through their ranks.
What did he mean? Had Ryu deduced Rat's role as the mastermind behind all this? How could his intuition be so sharp?
"What nonsense are you spouting, Ikano D. Ryu?! It's too late for excuses! Do you think the Marines can be swayed by your lies? Your crimes against us are undeniable facts! This is your final chance to repent!" Rat screamed hysterically, trying desperately to maintain his facade of righteousness.
The surrounding Marines snapped out of their doubts. Of course! How could they question their trusted colonel? With renewed fervor, they surged forward.
Witnessing this, Ryu sighed deeply. Without concrete evidence, anything he said would fall on deaf ears. These Marines only believed what they wanted to believe. If they claimed he attacked the Marines, then perhaps he should act accordingly.
With that thought, Ryu ceased hesitating. Moving with blinding speed, he closed the distance to Rat in an instant.
"What are you doing?!" Rat shrieked, fumbling for his pistol. But within seven steps, guns were useless. Before Rat could fire, Ryu's blade severed his head cleanly.
The next morning, several Marines groggily regained consciousness. Surveying the wreckage around them, their eyes widened in shock. Corpses littered the deck everywhere!
However, to their astonishment, one by one, many of their comrades began stirring. Aside from those injured by Buggy's cannon, most Marines were alive—an outcome that defied logic.
"Could it be… that Ryu spared us?" one Marine ventured cautiously.
"No way! That guy killed Colonel Rat!" another countered.
Unaware of the Marines' discussions, Ryu lay peacefully asleep inside his coffin-like resting chamber.
Meanwhile, Nami, Buggy, and the others trembled on the deck, still haunted by the memory of yesterday's clash with the Marines. The Marines! Even Buggy, despite years of freelancing as a pirate, had never dared attack them. They were doomed.
Nearby, Kilik remained passionately at the helm. For some reason, after experiencing yesterday's battle, he seemed awakened—as though born to be a sailor.
Elsewhere, Marine Headquarters had already tallied the losses from last night. Ryu's bounty poster was issued and scheduled to be distributed worldwide alongside the morning newspapers.
That evening, Garp stared at the urgent bounty notice sent from Headquarters, his expression heavy with concern.
How did this kid become a wanted criminal? Out of Luffy, Ace, Sabo, and Ryu, he was the least likely to turn into a pirate. Attacking the Marines? Impossible!
Due to Ryu's frequent visits to Windmill Village, Garp had grown fond of him, treating him almost like family—just as he did with Luffy and the others. Seeing Ryu's bounty poster was unbearable.
Unable to accept it, Garp acted immediately, dialing the Den Den Mushi.
Bzzt... Bzzt...
"Hello~" came the lazy voice on the other end.
Recognizing Garp's tone, Ryu perked up instantly, recounting every detail of the past few days.
"I see," Garp said, exhaling in relief. He'd known Ryu wouldn't attack the Marines without cause. Garp understood all too well how many corrupt individuals lurked within the Marines.
Still, innocent soldiers had been caught in the crossfire—a tragedy he couldn't undo. Regardless, Ryu's dream of becoming a Marine was now shattered.
"Listen, boy. I don't care what happens, but don't become a true pirate, understand?"
"Yes, Grandpa Garp."
"Good. That's all."
After hanging up, Garp felt marginally better. He promptly reported the situation to Sengoku.